Nemanja Vidic set to boost Manchester United with Sunderland return

Nemanja Vidic has been sorely missed at the heart of a Manchester United’s defence (Picture: Action Images)

Sir Alex Ferguson has been handed a massive boost ahead of the busy festive period with the news that captain Nemanja Vidic will return from injury – starting with Saturday’s trip to Sunderland.

The commanding centre-back has been out for 11 weeks since injuring his knee in a Champions League match against Galatasaray at Old Trafford in September.

And despite qualifying for the last 16 of that competition with ease as well as moving top of the Premier League in his absence, United have been leaking goals at an alarming rate.

Strugglers Reading as well as Tottenham each managed to hit the net three times against United.

Slack defending was again in evidence in Sunday’s derby victory over title rivals Manchester City as United let a two-goal lead slip before Robin van Persie’s late winner earned the points.

Derby delight: But Rooney was feeling unwell yesterday and could miss out at the weekend (Picture: Action Images)

And United boss Ferguson could not hide his relief at finally having Vidic available again, although it is unclear if he will start against Martin O’Neill’s Black Cats.

‘It would have been crazy to play him against City,’ Ferguson was quoted in the Daily Mirror. ‘But against Sunderland – definitely. It’s a big bonus.

‘He is a battler, a real competitor. That uncompromising way of his – he likes defending, that’s what it is. Absolutely, he gives us the options.’

Wayne Rooney could be a doubt for the Wearside clash after the striker missed a book signing yesterday because he was feeling unwell. The England international tweeted: ‘Not feeling good at all. Had to cancel the book signing today. Sorry to all the fans who were coming. I was really looking forward to it.’